Cardiovascular Protection of Vitamin B6

The Role of Vitamin B6 in cardiovascular protection.

Vitamin B6 is a very important vitamin that protects heart from cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular problems. Vitamin B6 plays a crucial role in methylation. Methylation is a chemical process in which methyl groups (chemicals) are added to several molecules including proteins and DNA. This chemicals process is required for keeping body in healthy condition. Without proper methylation we can face many health problems. Methylation is extremely important for cardiovascular protection as well.

B vitamins are very essential for cardiovascular health. That’s why they are known as cardio protective vitamins. Homocysteine is a molecule or an amino acid which is required for cellular metabolism and in the manufacture of proteins. But if the levels of homocysteine in the blood get increased, it can be extremely dangerous for the heart. This condition is known as hyperhomocysteinemia. High levels of homocysteine damage blood vessels walls, increase the chances of atherosclerosis and enhance blood clotting. This can lead to heart attack and stroke. Vitamin B6 for its cardiovascular protection benefits, can keep the levels of homocysteine low. Therefore, Vitamin B6 reduces the chances of cardiovascular disease by keeping the homocysteine levels in the blood low or normal. Other B vitamins such as folate and riboflavin (Vitamin B2) are also equally important for lowering high homocysteine levels. Vitamin B6 is also required for controlling the hypertension. Riboflavin is necessary for proper functioning of Vitamin B6. It helps Vitamin B6 to convert into its active form.

Vitamin B6 rich foods are important for cardiovascular protection as they lower the chances of heart disease. Some of the excellent sources of Vitamin B6 are spinach, bell peppers, shiitake mushrooms, collard greens, tomato and garlic.